FastBeets was featured in an article on Livestrong.com on this topic. To see Shaina Simhaee's quotes on Livestrong, click here.

There are so many wonderful benefits to working out in the morning and specifically first thing in the morning.

Fasted Cardio

When you do just 20 minutes of cardio before you’ve eaten anything, you burn straight fat. And who doesn’t want to burn straight fat? Even if you’d prefer to do a proper workout after breakfast, you’ll get an energy boost that will last all day and you won’t have to worry about trying to fit the workout in after work when your social life sets in.

Preparation is Half the Battle

So herein lies the problem. How do you get yourself to actually make it to the gym in the morning when your snooze button is the most attractive thing in sight? I’ve found that being prepared is half the battle. I tell clients to have their workout clothes ready to go when they first get up. Ideally on your nightstand works best. The other option is just wearing your workout clothes to bed, so when you’re up, you’re almost ready.

Waking Up

If coffee is a must, going to Starbucks can be a deterrent to get you to the gym. Make coffee at home instead. Even better - have the coffee waiting for you in the fridge so there is no preparation. For a more natural energy boost without any calories, try adding a little bit of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. This wakes you up and boosts your metabolism.

Fuel Yourself

If you’re having breakfast in the morning prior to working out, keep the breakfast simple. Prepare overnight oats the night before, have hardboiled eggs on hand, or make your smoothie the night before and keep it in your fridge. Whatever your breakfast of choice is, make sure its ready to go first thing in the morning. This prevents distractions from getting in the way of you and the gym. Try making FastBeet’s Goji Berry Blondies or the Pumpkin Breakfast Bars. They are super easy to make, and you can make it once to last you a full week of breakfasts.

What Your Goal?

Lastly, set a goal. It could be a weight loss goal that motivates you, or you want to aim for 4 days a week at the gym. Whatever your goal is keep tallies in your calendar and hold yourself accountable.